I have given 8 weeks notice to my existing landlord and must be out of my rented flat in Gravesend by 28/7/2022. Conveyancing for my house purchase is underway. Is it possible to complete in three weeks as don't want to have to move into temporary accommodation?
It is unwise to serve notice on a rental unless you have exchanged. Assuming that you have not already done so, notify to your conveyancer and request that they chase the other side, try to a target completion date that everyone will aim towards
What does my ID and proof of funds have anything to do with my conveyancing in Gravesend? Why is this being asked of me?
In order to comply with Money Laundering Regulations any Gravesend conveyancing firm will require proof of identity in all conveyancing transactions. This is normally dealt with by provision of a passport and an original bank statement or utility account evidencing your correct address.
In accordance with Money Laundering Regulations, property lawyers are duty bound to validate not only the identity of conveyancing clients but also the source of the money that they receive in respect of any matter. An unwillingness to disclose this will lead to your lawyer ending their relationship with you, as clearly this will cause a conflict between the set Regulations and a refusal to disclose.
Your property lawyers are duty bound to make a disclosure to the appropriate authorities should they consider that any monies received by them may contravene the Anti-terror and anti-money-laundering rules.
I currently have a mortgage with Kent Reliance for my property in Gravesend. Conveyancing has been completed 12 months ago. Should I wish to rent out the flat and do not currently have a buy-to-let mortgage do I need to remortgage to a buy-to-let mortgage or inform Kent Reliance?
You must advise Kent Reliance before letting out your property as this is likely to be a breach of Kent Reliance’s mortgage conditions. In many cases banks or building societies will allow you to rent out your former home without needing to switch to a buy-to-let mortgage but some lenders will add a surcharge to your mortgage rate to reflect the higher risk. You should contact Kent Reliance directly. It should not be necessary to do this via a Kent Reliance conveyancing panel firm.
I am selling my flat. I had a double glazing fitted in December 2006, but did not receive a FENSA certificate or Building Regulation Certificate. My purchaser’s mortgage company, Co-operative are being pedantic. The Gravesend solicitor who is on the Co-operative conveyancing panel is happy to accept ‘lack of building regulation’ insurance but Co-operative are insisting on a building regulation certificate. Why do Co-operative have a conveyancing panel if they don't accept advice from them?
It is probably the case that Co-operative have referred the matter to their valuer. The reason why Co-operative may not want to accept indemnity insurance is because it does not give them any reassurance that the double glazing was correctly and safely installed. The indemnity insurance merely protects against enforcement action which is very unlikely anyway.
My sealed bid on a property in Gravesend has been agreed to, the vendors do however have a connected purchase. The sellers have placed an offer on a property, but it’s not yet tied up, and have viewings of other apartments booked. I have instructed a bricks and mortar conveyancing solicitor in Gravesend. What do I do now? At what stage do I apply for the mortgage with Co-operative?
It is usual to have concerns where there is a chain as you are unlikely to want to incur costs too early (mortgage application is approx £1k, then survey, Gravesend conveyancing search costs, etc). First, you should ensure that your lawyer is on the Co-operative approved list. Concerning the next stages this very much dictated by the uniqueness of your transaction, motivation for the property and on the state of the market. In a hot market the majority of purchasers will apply for the mortgage with Co-operative and pay for the valuation and only if it comes back ok would they request their lawyer to press on with the conveyancing in Gravesend.
How does conveyancing in Gravesend differ for new build properties?
Most buyers of new build property in Gravesend come to us having been asked by the builder to exchange contracts and commit to the purchase even before the house is built. This is because developers in Gravesend tend to purchase the real estate, plan the estate and want to get the plots sold off as they are building the properties. Buyers, therefore, will have to exchange contracts without actually seeing the house they are buying. To reduce the chances of losing the property, buyers should instruct conveyancers as soon as the property is reserved and mortgage applications should be submitted quickly. Due to the fact that it could be several months and even years between exchange of contracts and completion, the mortgage offer may need to be extended. It would be wise to use a lawyer who specialises in new build conveyancing especially if they are used to new build conveyancing in Gravesend or who has acted in the same development.
Should I be wary by estate agents that I am dealing with are encouraging me to use an online conveyancing firm as opposed to a High Street Gravesend conveyancing firm?
As is the case with many professional services, often referrals from relatives can be very helpful. Nevertheless there are lots of players in a conveyancing matter; estate agents, financial adviser and mortgage companies might all recommend conveyancers to retain. Sometimes the lawyers might be known to one of the organisations as one of the best in their field, but occasionally there might be a financial incentive behind the endorsement. You have the discretion to select your own conveyancer. You need to be aware that some mortgage providers specify a panel list of law firms you are obliged to use for the lender related work in your conveyancing.
My father has suggested that I use his conveyancing solicitors in Gravesend. Should I choose my own conveyancer?
No doubt the best way to choose a conveyancing solicitor is to get recommendations from friends or relatives who have previously instructed the firm you're considering.